11 year alumni here! This place is trash. I got bullied from grade 3 to grade 9 by both students and teachers, I was yelled at for not doing work fast enough due to medical reasons, as well as not achieving excellence in every class. Waldorf did not prepare me for highschool in the slightest either. There are barely any science or social studies classes (apparently dance and woodshop are more important), nor is there any learning or emotional support from any staff. A kid in my class killed a bird during recess and was only warned not to do it again. Preschool and kindergarden aren't bad, but in the end your kid is going to be traumatized by the education system anyways, so its up to you if you want to pay for it. (also don't send your kid to Clearwater Academy (it's worse)) read more

I love this school. My family has been a part of it for many years. Our children love going to school every day. They are thriving! Some our best family friends have come from this school. read more

Our whole family loves the Calgary Waldorf School (CWS)- for so many reasons! We came to the Waldorf school because we were worried about the environment in my son's other school. Within 2 months of being at the CWS, he had returned to his joyous, jokey, outgoing self. Now, 2 years later, he is confident, happy and well-engaged in his school community. At the same time, we enrolled our youngest in the pre-school program for 4 afternoons a week. This was such a beautiful, magical experience for her. She is now in full-day kindergarten and loves it. Both our children wake up happy and excited to go to school in the mornings. The school community is vibrant and welcoming. My son knows most of the children in the school by name and plays with many from a variety of grades. The buddy system, an inherent part of Waldorf schools, creates bonds and mentorships between the young children and the older children and builds integration and support networks which exist for years to come. We have made good friends with many families in the school. Open invitations to meet-up for skating or a play-ground dates are frequently being extended, so it's easy to integrate into the community. There are also many school-organized events to enjoy. The teachers are AMAZING and work so hard to teach the curriculum in creative, interesting and beautiful ways. They make a conscious effort to expose children to beauty in all areas. I have spent time helping out in classrooms and have seen how calm, loving and inspiring the environment is. The teachers have a magical way with the kids. When inappropriate behaviours arise, they are handled with calmness, love and understanding. This modelling carries through to the children in the classroom, who often use very clear and mature language to discuss situations/behaviours they do not like. There is a wide range of needs in the classroom, and the teachers manage to gently guide children through difficult moments. From what I have seen and heard, all children in the class are accepted by the others as part of the group and appreciated for their own unique ways. That said, it is important to do your research and make sure beforehand that the philosophies of this school are a good match for you and your children. Your child will not be learning how to read in pre-school here. For me, that is something I appreciate; for others, this may be seen as a fault. If competition and 'being better than' are important to you, then you'll be happier at a different school. Being outside and appreciating nature are highly valued (though not dominating the schedule); if you feel children learn better sitting in a desk, then this will not be a good fit for you. Learning through play and student-centred learning (which does NOT mean no-guidance and out-of-control classrooms) are woven into the curriculum here; if you're looking for textbooks and lectures, you'll need a different place. You can google Rudolf Steiner to learn more about the reasoning behind the philosophy. Attending an Open House at the school is a great way to get your questions answered and get a sense of what teaching is like here. My comments here are an 'early years' perspective - have a read through some of the alumni reviews here to get a sense of the older students' success and learning experiences. I am so glad we made the choice to switch to Calgary Waldorf! The diverse community has been so warm and supportive. I look forward to watching my children bloom as they continue their journey here with their friends. read more

This school has provided me the ability to live a well rounded successful life. The Calgary Waldorf School has been such a positive part in my life and still is to this day. The loving, caring, and supportive community I was apart of while attending the school is still extremely relative and impactful to this day, after being graduated for 7 years. I can honestly say I would not be able to reach the level of success I have today without the Waldorf school. read more

Love love love this school. I have had 3 children go through and love how the pedagogy reaches the children where they are at developmentally. The children emerge mature and ready for high school. High schools love getting Waldorf graduates as they come through it grounded and with great self knowledge that is really hard to find during adolescence. read more

We have been involved with Calgary Waldorf School for 5 years now and currently have 3 children enrolled. I cannot imagine my children at any other school. They are welcomed each day with warmth and love. I remember my mother having to drag me out of bed for school every morning... not my kids, they're out the door running, excited for what this school has to offer them - every single day. read more